I believe it is true to say that the recent fires in Knysna captured the attention of all South Africans, as well as many overseas communities. They were devastating and as much as 682 homes were burnt to the ground. That is a statistic from insurance companies so does not include the poorer members of the community who may have lost their shacks.

Forest before the fire…many kilometers of lush greenery and pine forests

Here follows a photographic essay of the unfortunate events

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Note the yellow circle..the sign says 'Field fire risk'....not kidding

In town it was amazing how there would be three or four houses untouched and then a burnt shell or three.

Untouched South African flag droops in the wet weather

The pictures seem over exposed or bright but were taken in bucketing rain ....

These are upmarket homes on the ridge of the hills with awesome sea and lagoon views

A sad statistic is that 56% of the homes burnt were uninsured!!!

There were so many sad stories that we could write a book about them. Me, I just get depressed seeing the devastation which was experienced.

Another shot of the burnt forest .... can you imagine the devastation on the small animal and insect life??

I wish that was autumn colors.... but unfortunately not.

I have many more photographs but they show the story I have already laid out here ....

The community spirit was strong and very positive despite the carnage caused by the fires

Thanks for reading!!!